The Los Angeles Rams defeated the New York Giants in style, 28-6, on Monday night. The victory hands the Rams their first win of the 2026 season, as well as several lessons about their team moving forward.
Here are five takeaways from the game.
That was a complete win
Outside of a missed field goal from Harrison Mevis and a poor punt by Ethan Evans, that was a complete win. Matthew Stafford was excellent, throwing for over 327 yards and four touchdowns. Davante Adams turned back the clock to record a signature performance. The team rushed for over 160 yards, while eight different players recorded a catch for Los Angeles.
The Giants lost Jaxson Dart early, but the Rams were all over the offense all night long. Limiting New York to 182 total yards, the defense kept swarming
the ball while they kept their cool during Jameis Winston's deep throws.
The special teams could be better, but after what we saw in Week 1, this game was exactly what the doctor ordered. The Rams needed to dominate a game like this to remember who they are. This is what competent, championship organizations do. They grind down weaker opposition.
Addition by subtraction?
No Puka Nacua, no problem. It's funny how the Rams have their most complete games on offense when Nacua is sidelined. By no means am I suggesting a benching for Nacua, but instead highlighting how Los Angeles is forced to be quicker and more efficient offensively when Nacua isn't around to bail them out.
Everyone stepped up tonight. Xavier Smith had a big block to break a run that set the tempo for the game. The Rams were going to be physical and prove they can win without Nacua and Myles Garrett. Moving forward, once the Rams get Nacua back, if they can balance his usage with the rest of the offensive rotation, finding the median between explosive and methodical, this offense could be even better.
That balance might be the key to outmaneuvering Raheem Morris when the time comes.
McVay and Stafford found their rhythm, and their confidence was on full display
The targeting to Adams was impressive, but what really stole the show was the dissection of the Giants' defense through multi-level attacks and strong play sequencing. McVay kept New York on the back foot all night as Stafford was plucking holes in the secondary. Adams was a force, but the diverse targeting of Kyren Williams and the tight ends opened up more space for the All-Pro receiver to exploit on his way towards a vintage performance.
New York could not get a read on what the Rams were going to call next. I want to applaud McVay for his commitment to the run. There were times he could've abandoned it early, but even with their fumbles, McVay continued to put the ball in Williams' and Blake Corum's hands. Jevon Holland had his eyes and fists set on dislodging footballs, and yet McVay stayed the course.
Stafford was brilliant. He orchestrated the drives and took over control of the pace of the game. The Rams were in full control, something they lacked in Australia. Let's see how they build on this win.
McDuffie, the difference-maker
Trent McDuffie made his home city proud as the Southern California native was unbeatable on the evening. He was spectacular, shutting down receivers in one-on-one coverage, while recording the Rams' only interception of the game. It was clear how much of a difference-maker he is as the team was without Kam Kinchens, yet they looked fantastic, limiting Wintson to 111 passing yards.
McDuffie is glue of this secondary, and he's the engine behind Los Angeles' Super Bowl desires. No McDuffie, no title.
Burgeoning stars in Los Angeles complement an excellent return from the legend
Aaron Donald was back, and he was excellent – as if time stood still and it was 2023 again. He wasn't able to get his hands on a sack, but he looked strong, explosive, and effective. He was manhandling the run. There was great usage in his return, and the Rams have players emerging around him. Wesley Bailey secured his first NFL sack when given some defensive sacks, playing relentlessly during his limited appearance.
Josh Wallace took a major step up tonight, too. He could see a bit more playing time if the Rams want to rotate Kinchens around.
Terrance Ferguson caught six passes on nine targets, and he still doesn't look like he's on the same page with Stafford. Don't foresee this as an issue, just an indication they need more reps to go from a strong connection to a game-altering pairing. However, Ferguson did what he had to do, securing 54 yards and a touchdown.
Corum is here. He's splitting carries with Williams now, and he's the more explosive back. Expect both to be utilized a lot, but when the Rams need to ice a ballgame, they could go to Corum more than we think. He was explosive, his vision was on display, and he can pick up critical yards when needed. If only he didn't fumble.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 5 takeaways from Rams' win vs. Giants on Monday night
